France

Lyon

Lyon blends Roman history, Renaissance lanes and serious food.

Local time: UTC+1
Population: 0.5M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Expensive

Food$$$$$About $59 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $120 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $9.4 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇪🇺 EUR =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

LYSLyon Saint-Exupéry AirportMain hub, about 20-25 km east of the centre.

How	Cost	Time
Bus 47 + tram T3Meyzieu Z.I then centre	€2.10	60-75 min
Cheapest; bus runs half-hourly 06:30-22:00.
Bus C200Metro line A east end	€2.10	45-60 min
Good for eastern metro stops.
Rhônexpress tramPart-Dieu station	€17.10 single	under 30 min
Fastest; buy online to save, €4 onboard surcharge.
TaxiCity centre	€40-50	30-45 min
Ask for an eastern metro stop to save money.
Uber / BoltCity centre	€35-50	30-45 min
Prices vary with demand.

GNBGrenoble Alpes-Isère AirportMidway between Lyon and Grenoble; some low-cost flights.

How	Cost	Time
BusLyon centre	check locally	check locally
Check agbus.fr schedules.
TaxiLyon centre	€80-120	50-70 min
Long ride; train via Grenoble may be cheaper.

GVAGeneva AirportSwiss hub about 150 km northeast; good low-cost option.

How	Cost	Time
BlaBlaCar busPerrache bus station	check locally	about 2 hr
Two daily departures, 12:00 and 19:15.
TrainPart-Dieu station	about CHF 37 total	about 2.5 hr
Local train to Geneva then TER to Lyon.
TaxiLyon centre	€200+	2 hr
Expensive; bus or train is better.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Lyon

Getting around

Metro and walking for the centre; tap a bank card and go.

Metro ★Lines A–D plus two funiculars run about 05:00–00:00. Fastest way between the centre, the station and Fourvière.
TramFive tram lines link the centre, campuses and suburbs.
BusBuses cover the city, but some stop after 21:00. Check the last bus on the day.
Taxi / ride appsTaxis and apps like Uber and Bolt work. Taxis wait at stations and the airport.
Rental carNot needed in the centre. Parking is tight; use transit instead.
Walking ★The centre is walkable. Vélo'v bikes and the Navigône ferry help on nice days.
FerryThe Navigône river ferry crosses the Saône on nice days. Check times on the day.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits the Fourvière, Vieux Lyon, and Presqu'île historic route, which fits in one day if you trim long dinners and nearby excursions.

Best for

CultureVieux Lyon, the basilica and the traboules.
FoodBouchons, markets and the Halles de Lyon.
HistoryRoman Lugdunum, silk trade and the Resistance.

Weather by month

7°1°Jan🌧 13d

10°1°Feb🌧 8d

13°4°Mar🌧 11d

17°6°Apr🌧 10d

20°11°May🌧 13d

26°15°Jun🌧 11d

28°17°Jul🌧 8d

28°17°Aug🌧 7d

23°13°Sep🌧 8d

18°9°Oct🌧 9d

11°5°Nov🌧 12d

8°2°Dec🌧 12d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Semi-continental climate: warm to hot summers, cold winters, and rain spread across the year.

Best time: May to SeptemberWarm days around 20–28°C. July and August are hottest and driest.
Rain all yearAbout 7–13 rain days every month. May and January are wettest; August is driest.
Cold wintersDecember to February highs near 7–8°C and lows near 1–2°C. Bring a warm coat.
Hot summer afternoonsJuly and August reach about 28°C. Sightsee in the morning and rest in the shade at midday.
Mild spring and autumnApril, May, September and October are comfortable for walking, with highs of 17–23°C.
What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for cobbles. Add a hat and sunscreen for summer.

Landmarks 9

Must-see · 8

1
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Lyon's most famous sight, a hilltop basilica with sweeping views over the city and the Saône. It is a working religious site, so dress respectfully and keep quiet inside. Go early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds; you can walk up from Vieux Lyon or take the funicular.
2
Vieux Lyon
One of Europe's largest Renaissance old towns, a maze of cobbled lanes and hidden passageways worth wandering for an afternoon. It sits at the foot of Fourvière, so pair the two in one outing. Come on a weekday to avoid the heaviest crowds.
3
Traboules of Croix-Rousse
These covered passageways were used by silk workers and let you cut through buildings between streets. They are a distinctive Lyon experience and best explored on a guided walk, since some are private and closed to visitors. Wear comfortable shoes for the hills.
4
Parc de la Tête d'Or
A large central park with a lake, gardens and a free botanical and zoo area, ideal for a relaxed break. It is free to enter and easy to reach by metro or bus. Visit in the morning for calm and cooler weather.
5
Place Bellecour
A vast open square in the heart of the city, a natural meeting point between the two rivers and the old town. It is free and open at all hours. Use it as a landmark to orient yourself before heading to Vieux Lyon or the shops.
6
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
A Gothic cathedral in Vieux Lyon with fine stained glass and an astronomical clock. Entry to the cathedral is generally free, though dress modestly. It is a short walk from the Saône and fits easily into an old-town stroll.
7
Musée des Confluences
A striking modern museum at the meeting of the Rhône and Saône, covering natural history and world cultures. Its architecture alone is worth the trip. Check opening days and buy tickets online to skip queues.
8
Saône River Cruise
A boat trip on the Saône gives a different view of the old town and the hills. It is a good way to rest your feet after walking. Book a daytime departure and arrive a little early for a good seat.

Cultural

Christian 2

Museum 1

Park 1

Historical Square 1

Old Town 2

Activities

Football Stadium 1

Cruise Tour 1

Day trips from Lyon

Annecy · 1 h 38 by train

★★★★★ · Full day · 140 km from Lyon

Best way: Direct trains take about 1h38 with 9 per day and the station is a short walk from the old town and lake.

Direct regional trains from Lyon Part-Dieu to Annecy take about two hours; the station is a short walk from the old town and lake.

Train ★1 h 38 · from €20
Bus2 h 00 · from $12-$40
Car1 h 40 · taxi ≈ €280

What to see

Old town and Palais de l'Isle
Annecy Lake waterfront
Château d'Annecy
Canal du Thiou walk

6 landmark quests to check off here

Good to know

Book ahead for summer weekends and holidays when the lake is busiest
Best time is late spring to early autumn for the lake and old town

Vienne · 14 h 22 by train

★★★★☆ · Half day · 34 km from Lyon

Best way: Frequent regional trains from Part-Dieu or Perrache reach Vienne in about 30 minutes, dropping you near the sights.

Frequent regional trains from Lyon Part-Dieu or Perrache reach Vienne in about 30 minutes.

Train ★14 h 22 · from $280-$487
Bus16 h 55 · from $110-$170
Car34 min · taxi ≈ €70

What to see

Roman Théâtre Antique
Temple d'Auguste et de Livie
Cathédrale Saint-Maurice
Musée gallo-romain

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

The Roman theatre and temple are within walking distance of the station
The Roman theatre hosts the summer jazz festival, so check dates

Grenoble · 1 h 21 by train

★★★★☆ · Full day · 107 km from Lyon

Best way: Direct trains take about 1h21 with 11 per day, fast and frequent to the city centre.

Direct TER trains from Lyon Part-Dieu to Grenoble take about 1.5 hours.

Train ★1 h 21 · from €15
Bus1 h 20 · from $8-$29
Car1 h 21 · taxi ≈ €220

What to see

Grenoble-Bastille cable car
Old town and Place Grenette
Musée de Grenoble
Jardin de Ville

Good to know

The Bastille cable car is a highlight; check it runs on your visit day
Best time is summer for the mountains or winter for nearby ski access

Chambéry · 1 h 26 by train

★★★☆☆ · Half day · 102 km from Lyon

Best way: Direct TER trains reach Chambéry in about 1h26, faster and simpler than the bus.

Direct TER trains from Lyon Part-Dieu reach Chambéry in roughly 1.5 hours.

Train ★1 h 26 · from $14-$35
Bus1 h 25 · from $6-$28
Car1 h 19 · taxi ≈ €210

What to see

Château des Ducs de Savoie
Old town pedestrian streets
Fontaine des Éléphants
Sainte-Chapelle

Good to know

The old town and castle are a short walk from the station
Some sights and museums close on Mondays

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Lyon rewards visitors who wander its two rivers, old town and bouchons. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

First-timers who want the basilica, old streets and a river view in one easy day.

Stay: Vieux Lyon. Cobbled lanes, traboules and the funicular up to Fourvière. Quiet at night, touristy by day.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 0
Taxis: ≈ EUR 50
Hotel: EUR 100–260

Day 1

Vieux Lyon and Fourvière

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:30 · Free to wander

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Start early for quiet cobbled streets. Shops open later.

Open Always open · shops and cafés daytime
Taxi · 244 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

11:45–12:15 · Free

Saint-Jean Cathedral

Right in the old town. Check opening times on the day.

Open Daily daytime · check on the day
Taxi · 300 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

12:30–14:00 · ≈ €30–50 per person · check on the day

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Lunch in a bouchon. Book ahead for dinner; lunch is easier.

Open Mostly evening service
Taxi · 545 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
4

14:15–15:30 · Free entry · guided rooftop tours cost extra

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Take the funicular up from Vieux Lyon. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00 · check on the day · Source
5

15:45–16:15 · Free

Fourvière esplanade viewpoint

Right by the basilica. Best at sunset, but fine now too.

Open Always open
Taxi · 630 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
6

17:00–17:45 · Free

Saône riverbank walk

Walk down and follow the river as the light softens.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 769 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

Roman roots, hidden passages and the Resistance in a single packed day.

Stay: Vieux Lyon. Cobbled lanes, traboules and the funicular up to Fourvière. Quiet at night, touristy by day.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 0
Taxis: ≈ EUR 60
Hotel: EUR 100–260

Day 1

Traboules, Resistance and the hill

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 60

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 458 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
1

09:30–11:00 · ≈ €12–20 per person · check on the day

Guided traboule walking tour

Guided tours explain the hidden passages. Book ahead.

Open Scheduled departures, mostly daytime
Taxi · 636 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

11:15–11:45 · Free

Saint-Jean Cathedral

Steps from the tour end. Check hours on the day.

Open Daily daytime · check on the day
Taxi · 300 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

12:15–13:45 · ≈ €30–50 per person · check on the day

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Lunch stop in Vieux Lyon.

Open Mostly evening service
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EUR 10
4

14:30–16:00 · ≈ €6–10 adult · check on the day

Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

Closed Monday. Short walk or metro from the old town.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun daytime · Source
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EUR 10
5

16:30–17:45 · Free entry · guided rooftop tours cost extra

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Funicular up. Check closing time on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi back to your hotel · 494 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want Vieux Lyon, the basilica views and the city's best museums at an easy pace.

Stay: Vieux Lyon. Cobbled lanes, traboules and the funicular up to Fourvière. Quiet at night, touristy by day.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 0
Taxis: ≈ EUR 120
Hotel: EUR 200–520

Day 1

Arrive, old Lyon and the hill

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 30

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

14:00–16:00 · Free to wander

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Start with the streets around Saint-Jean. Shops and cafés are open in the daytime.

Open Always open · shops and cafés daytime
Taxi · 244 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

16:15–16:45 · Free

Saint-Jean Cathedral

Short visit. Check opening times on the day.

Open Daily daytime · check on the day
Taxi · 608 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

17:00–18:15 · Free entry · guided rooftop tours cost extra

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Take the funicular up from Vieux Lyon. Basilica open roughly 07:00–19:00, check on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00 · check on the day · Source
4

18:30–19:00 · Free

Fourvière esplanade viewpoint

Right outside the basilica. Best at sunset.

Open Always open
Taxi · 420 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
5

19:30–21:30 · ≈ €30–50 per person · check on the day

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Book ahead. Most bouchons serve in the evening only.

Open Mostly evening service

Day 2

Presqu'île museums and river

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1070 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10
1

10:00–10:30 · Free

Place des Terreaux and fountain

Start at the fountain, then walk to the museum.

Open Always open
2

10:45–12:45 · ≈ €8–12 adult · check on the day

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Closed Tuesday. Check hours on the day.

Open Closed Tuesday · Wed–Mon daytime · Source
Taxi · 1355 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

13:15–13:45 · Free

Place Bellecour

Lunch nearby, then cross the square.

Open Always open
Taxi · 912 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10
4

14:15–15:45 · Free

Presqu'île walk

Shopping streets and squares between the two rivers.

Open Always open
Taxi · 1335 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
5

17:30–18:15 · Free

Saône riverbank walk

Walk the riverbank toward Vieux Lyon at sunset.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 769 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10

Day 3

Traboules and Croix-Rousse, then go

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 40

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 458 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
1

09:30–11:00 · ≈ €12–20 per person · check on the day

Guided traboule walking tour

Guided tour through the hidden passages. Book ahead; departures mostly daytime.

Open Scheduled departures, mostly daytime
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

11:30–13:00 · Free

Croix-Rousse hill walk

Climb from Vieux Lyon. Morning or late afternoon is best.

Open Always open
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

14:00–15:00 · Free to enter · food priced per item

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Lunch stop. Open roughly Tue–Sat 07:00–19:00, check on the day.

Open Tue–Sat roughly 07:00–19:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi back to your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EUR 10

2 nights · Food

Visitors who plan the day around markets, bouchons and long dinners, with light sightseeing in between.

Stay: Vieux Lyon. Cobbled lanes, traboules and the funicular up to Fourvière. Quiet at night, touristy by day.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 0
Taxis: ≈ EUR 100
Hotel: EUR 200–520

Day 1

Arrive, old Lyon and a bouchon

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 20

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

14:00–16:00 · Free to wander

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Wander the streets and pick up snacks as you go.

Open Always open · shops and cafés daytime
Taxi · 761 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

16:30–17:15 · Free

Saône riverbank walk

Easy riverbank stroll before dinner.

Open Always open
Taxi · 732 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

19:30–21:30 · ≈ €30–50 per person · check on the day

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

The classic Lyon dinner. Book ahead; mostly evening service.

Open Mostly evening service

Day 2

Halles market and Presqu'île

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 50

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EUR 10
1

10:30–11:30 · Free to enter · food priced per item

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Late morning is best. Open roughly Tue–Sat, check on the day. Eat lunch here.

Open Tue–Sat roughly 07:00–19:00 · check on the day · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

12:30–14:00 · Free

Presqu'île walk

Walk off lunch through the shopping streets.

Open Always open
Taxi · 636 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

14:15–14:45 · Free

Place des Terreaux and fountain

Fountain and square, then a café stop.

Open Always open
Taxi · 1460 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ EUR 10
4

15:15–15:45 · Free

Place Bellecour

Cross the square toward the river.

Open Always open
Taxi · 879 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10
5

19:30–21:30 · ≈ €30–50 per person · check on the day

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Second bouchon, this time on the Presqu'île side.

Open Mostly evening service

Day 3

Hill walk and market lunch, then go

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 30

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 10
1

09:30–11:00 · Free

Croix-Rousse hill walk

Morning walk on the hill. Stop for coffee and pastries.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

11:30–12:00 · Free

Fourvière esplanade viewpoint

Quick view over the city before lunch.

Open Always open
Taxi · 378 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

12:30–14:30 · Free to wander

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Final lunch in the old town before you leave.

Open Always open · shops and cafés daytime

2 nights · History

Travellers who want Roman Lyon, the traboules and the Resistance story, with the basilica as the highlight.

Stay: Vieux Lyon. Cobbled lanes, traboules and the funicular up to Fourvière. Quiet at night, touristy by day.

Tickets & tours: ≈ EUR 0
Taxis: ≈ EUR 133
Hotel: EUR 200–520

Day 1

Arrive, old Lyon and the hill

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 40

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 231 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
1

14:00–14:30 · Free

Saint-Jean Cathedral

Start with the cathedral. Daily daytime, check on the day.

Open Daily daytime · check on the day
Taxi · 244 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

14:45–16:45 · Free to wander

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Renaissance streets and courtyards of the old town.

Open Always open · shops and cafés daytime
Taxi · 504 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

17:00–18:15 · Free entry · guided rooftop tours cost extra

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Funicular up from Vieux Lyon. Open roughly 07:00–19:00, check on the day.

Open Daily roughly 07:00–19:00 · check on the day · Source
4

18:30–19:00 · Free

Fourvière esplanade viewpoint

Sunset over the city.

Open Always open
Taxi · 420 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
5

19:30–21:30 · ≈ €30–50 per person · check on the day

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Dinner in the old town. Book ahead.

Open Mostly evening service

Day 2

Traboules and the Resistance

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 51

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 458 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ EUR 10
1

09:30–11:00 · ≈ €12–20 per person · check on the day

Guided traboule walking tour

Guided walk through the hidden passages. Book ahead.

Open Scheduled departures, mostly daytime
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

11:30–13:00 · Free

Croix-Rousse hill walk

Silk-trade hill. Morning is best.

Open Always open
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ EUR 11
3

14:30–16:00 · ≈ €6–10 adult · check on the day

Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

Closed Monday. Check hours on the day.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun daytime · Source
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ EUR 10
4

16:30–18:00 · Free

Presqu'île walk

Evening walk through the centre.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 918 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10

Day 3

Confluence history, then go

Tickets ≈ EUR 0 pp · taxis ≈ EUR 42

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ EUR 12
1

10:00–12:00 · ≈ €9–12 adult · check on the day

Musée des Confluences

Closed Monday. Natural and human history.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun daytime · Source
Taxi · 751 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ EUR 10
2

12:15–13:15 · Free

Confluence district walk

Modern district by the rivers. Lunch here.

Open Always open
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ EUR 10
3

14:00–14:30 · Free

Place Bellecour

Last stop before heading to the station.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 854 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ EUR 10

Swap in instead

Add a half-day in the Beaujolais vineyards south of the city. Check tours and train times on the day.
Day trip to Annecy or Grenoble by train for lakes and mountains. Book seats in advance.
Spend a morning at the Musée des Confluences, then walk the riverside parks.

Getting around

Metro lines A-D plus two funiculars run about 05:00-00:00.
Five tram lines link the centre, campuses and suburbs.
Tap any contactless bank card: about €2.10 per 1-hr journey, capped near €6.30/day.
Buses cover the city; some stop after 21:00.
Taxis and ride apps like Uber and Bolt work; taxis wait at stations and the airport.
The centre is walkable; Vélo'v bikes and the Navigône ferry help on nice days.

Where to stay

Presqu'île · ≈ EUR 90–220 a night
Between the two rivers. Walk to Vieux Lyon, the shops and most restaurants. Best all-round base.
Vieux Lyon · ≈ EUR 100–260 a night
Cobbled lanes, traboules and the funicular up to Fourvière. Quiet at night, touristy by day.
Croix-Rousse · ≈ EUR 70–170 a night
The old silk-workers' hill. Village feel, markets and views. Steep walks down to the centre.
Part-Dieu · ≈ EUR 80–190 a night
Business district by the main train station and airport bus. Handy for day trips, less charming.

Food & drink

Try a bouchon: small Lyonnais restaurants serving quenelles, andouillette and salade lyonnaise. Book ahead for dinner.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is the covered food market. Go hungry, taste cheese and charcuterie, and eat lunch at a counter.
Order local dishes: pike quenelle, rosette de Lyon sausage, and praline tart for dessert.
Cheap eats: a sandwich or kebab in Presqu'île, or a slice of pizza near the university, roughly €8–15.
Lunch menus (formule) are much cheaper than dinner. Expect about €18–30 at a mid-range bouchon.

Tips

Eat at a traditional 'Bouchon' to experience rich, authentic Lyonnaise cuisine
Explore the 'traboules' — hidden Renaissance passageways cutting through buildings in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse
Take the funicular up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for spectacular views
A Lyon City Card is a great value for unlimited transit and access to major museums
It offers a much more relaxed, intimate pace compared to the crowds of Paris

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Saône River Cruise

Guided sightseeing along the Saône
See the city's bridges and riverbanks from the water
3,728 reviews · 4.5 rating

High ratedBudget friendly

Guided Sightseeing Cruise

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (3,728)

$17View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Vieux Lyon

Traboules of Croix-Rousse

Walk the city highlights on foot
Discover secret passages with a local guide
1,305 reviews · 4.9 rating

Top ratedSmall group

Walking Tour of City Highlights & Secret Passages

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (1,305)

$25View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Vieux Lyon

Taste Lyon's best bites and wine
Full meal across several stops at sunset
354 reviews · 4.8 rating

Food includedEvening tour

Lyon Sunset Food Tour & Wine: Full Meal of Lyon’s Best Bites

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (354)

$118View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Vieux Lyon

Six French food tastings with wine
Explore the old town with a guide
266 reviews · 4.8 rating

Tastings includedTop rated

Old Town Food Tour with 6 French Food Tastings & Wine

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (266)

$127View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Vieux Lyon

Traboules of Croix-Rousse

Old town walk with secret traboules
Ride the funicular for hilltop views
42 reviews · 4.9 rating

Funicular rideTop rated

Old Town Walking Tour, Secret Traboules & Funicular

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (42)

$54View tour

Souvenirs

Lyon silk scarf

EUR 45–100small, 1 piece · estimate

Lyon has a long tradition of silk printing, and the city was once famous for its silk weaving. A small scarf is an easy way to take that history home.

Where: L'Atelier de Soierie / Brochier Soieries, Rue Romarin

Check the material and confirm it was made locally before you buy.

Coussin de Lyon (Lyon cushion candy)

EUR 18–30about 200 g box · estimate

These regional sweets are cushion-shaped and made with almond marzipan and chocolate. They are a classic Lyon treat.

Where: Voisin, Rue de la République

Buy a box sized for travel so it arrives in good shape.

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Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

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Getting in

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Landmarks 9

Must-see · 8

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Vieux Lyon

Traboules of Croix-Rousse

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Place Bellecour

Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Musée des Confluences

Saône River Cruise

Cultural

Christian 2

Museum 1

Park 1

Historical Square 1

Old Town 2

Activities

Football Stadium 1

Cruise Tour 1

Day trips from Lyon

Annecy · 1 h 38 by train

What to see

Good to know

Vienne · 14 h 22 by train

What to see

Good to know

Grenoble · 1 h 21 by train

What to see

Good to know

Chambéry · 1 h 26 by train

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Fourvière esplanade viewpoint

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Saint-Jean Cathedral

Saône riverbank walk

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Presqu'île walk

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Guided traboule walking tour

Croix-Rousse hill walk

Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Saint-Jean Cathedral

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Fourvière esplanade viewpoint

Saône riverbank walk

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Presqu'île walk

Place Bellecour

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Guided traboule walking tour

Saint-Jean Cathedral

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Vieux Lyon Landmark quest

Saint-Jean Cathedral

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière Landmark quest

Fourvière esplanade viewpoint

Bouchon dinner in Vieux Lyon

Place des Terreaux and fountain

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Place Bellecour

Presqu'île walk

Saône riverbank walk

Guided traboule walking tour

Croix-Rousse hill walk